George Wesley Harper

George Wesley Harper passed away Monday, February 20, 2017. His memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. The visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. George was born April 19, 1930, in Pittsburg, Illinois. His parents were Mae Shelton and Orlin Harper. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when he was six months old. He attended DeKalb High in Atlanta and Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and served for four years in Jacksonville, Florida, where he met his wife-to-be, Dona Yandle. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and were blessed with three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. It was in Jacksonville that he began his long career in insurance. He was associated with Gulf Life Insurance Company in Jacksonville, First Pyramid Life in Little Rock, Arkansas, and American Amicable in Waco. After retiring from the insurance business, he served as Personnel Director for Waco Independent School District a number of years, and after retiring from there, he entered the investment business representing First Financial of Houston. He loved his work and kept working until Alzheimer's disease forced him to retire at age 78. George was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan Workers Chapel class. He served at various times as a greeter, an usher and president of his Sunday School class. He was a member and past president of the Waco Seniors Kiwanis Club, and member and past president of the Y.M.C.A. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Karen Cushwa. Surviving him are his wife, Dona Harper; two daughters, Janet Larroca and husband, Dean, and Deedee Chmelik and husband, Jody; grandchildren, Catherine Larroca and Coleman Ogletree, Jordan Frank and husband, Trent, Wesley Larroca, Amanda MacLeod and husband, Kyle, and Joshua Chmelik and wife, Rebecca; great grandchildren, Carter Ogletree and Raegan Frank; son-in-law, Lynn Cushwa; sister, June Young; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care George received from the wonderful caretakers and staff at Sodalis Elder Care and Southern Care Hospice services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association Fund. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.